The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament was dealt a devastating blow this week as USC star freshman Juju Watkins suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice, just days before the Trojans’ highly anticipated Sweet 16 matchup. The news, confirmed by USC coaches and medical staff, has left fans and analysts reeling, while reshaping the landscape of the 2025 March Madness bracket.
Watkins’ Injury: A Crushing Blow for USC’s Title Dreams
Watkins, a standout guard and the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, tore her ACL during a routine drill, according to a statement from USC’s athletic department. The injury occurred as she landed awkwardly after a layup attempt, collapsing to the floor in visible pain. Teammates and staff described the moment as “heartbreaking,” with head coach Lindsay Gottlieb calling it “every coach’s worst nightmare.”
Watkins averaged 21.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season, emerging as the focal point of USC’s resurgence. Her explosive scoring and defensive tenacity propelled the Trojans to their first Sweet 16 appearance since 1994. Now, without their leading scorer, USC faces an uphill battle against a physical South Carolina team in the regional semifinal.
How USC Adapts Without Watkins
Gottlieb hinted at a committee approach to replace Watkins’ production. Look for guards Malia Samuels and Kayleigh Heckel to take on larger roles, while forward Rayah Marshall will need to dominate the paint. USC’s defense, ranked 12th nationally, will also need to compensate for the loss of Watkins’ perimeter pressure.
Analysts, however, remain skeptical. ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo noted, “Watkins’ ability to create her own shot was unique. USC’s half-court offense could stagnate without her.”
Maryland Outlasts Alabama in Thriller, Advances to Sweet 16
While USC grapples with Watkins’ absence, the Maryland Terrapins are riding high after a gritty 78-75 overtime win against Alabama in the second round. Sophomore guard Riley Nelson dropped a career-high 29 points, including a clutch three-pointer to force OT. The Terps’ depth shone through, with reserves contributing 22 points in a game that featured 15 lead changes.
Maryland now faces No. 1-seed Texas in the Sweet 16, a rematch of last year’s Elite Eight showdown. “We’re battle-tested,” said coach Brenda Frese. “This group thrives when the stakes are highest.”
The Bigger Picture: NCAA Tournament Resilience
Watkins’ injury underscores the brutal unpredictability of March Madness. Last year, Iowa’s Caitlin Clark battled through an ankle sprain to lead the Hawkeyes to a title. Can USC find similar grit? Meanwhile, teams like Maryland and UCLA (who face Notre Dame) are proving that depth and experience often trump star power in postseason play.
What’s Next for Juju Watkins?
Watkins is expected to undergo surgery next week, with a recovery timeline of 9–12 months. While she’ll miss the 2025-26 preseason, doctors are optimistic about her long-term prospects. “Modern ACL rehab isn’t what it was 10 years ago,” said USC team physician Dr. Lisa Moreno. “She’ll come back stronger.”
For now, Watkins remains with the team as a vocal leader. “I’ll be screaming my head off for these girls,” she posted on Instagram. “Finish what we started.”
Senior captain Taylor Bigby. “But we’ve got to step up for her. This isn’t how her story ends here.”
Allen is also really good at describing parties—or, at least, the ones the middle class and upper class attended. The historian wrote about how women taking up smoking had “strewed the dinner table with their ashes, snatched a puff between the acts, invaded the masculine sanctity of the club car.
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament continues to deliver drama, from heartbreaking injuries to Cinderella stories. As USC recalibrates and Maryland charges ahead, one thing is clear: March Madness remains the most unpredictable spectacle in sports. Stay tuned for updates on Watkins’ recovery and the Trojans’ quest to keep their title hopes alive.
